JP2016020200A - Steering device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steering device that can suppress movement in the tilting direction of a steering column at the time of secondary collision and thus stabilize impact absorption performance.SOLUTION: A steering device includes a steering column, a distance bracket, a tilt bracket, a fastening rod and a rotation prevention member. The steering column rotatably supports an input shaft connected to a steering wheel. The distance bracket is mounted to the steering column. The tilt bracket is detachably mounted to a vehicle body and includes side plate portions sandwiching the distance bracket and an inclination surface inclined so that the upper side is located in rear of the lower side. The fastening rod penetrates through the distance bracket and tilt adjustment holes of the side plate portions. The rotation prevention member is mounted to the steering column at a position on the rear side of the tilt bracket, and is brought into contact with the inclination surface at the time of secondary collision.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a steering device.

  A steering device provided in a vehicle is a device that transmits an operation of a steering wheel by an operator (driver) to the wheels. When a collision occurs in the vehicle, a secondary collision in which an operator collides with each part in the vehicle may occur. For this reason, a technique is known in which a steering device is attached to a vehicle via a release capsule in order to mitigate an impact applied to an operator in a secondary collision.

  In a steering device capable of tilt adjustment, a distance bracket integrated with a steering column is disposed so as to be sandwiched between tilt brackets fixed to a vehicle body. The distance bracket is clamped to the tilt bracket by a tightening rod that passes through the tilt bracket and the distance bracket. When a secondary collision occurs, the forward impact load applied to the steering column is transmitted in the order of the distance bracket, the tightening rod, and the tilt bracket, and breaks the connecting portion between the tilt bracket and the release capsule. As a result, the steering column is detached from the vehicle.

  In such a steering device, the release capsule and the clamping rod are arranged apart from each other. For this reason, when a load in the forward direction of the vehicle is transmitted from the tightening rod to the tilt bracket at the time of the secondary collision, a rotational moment with the release capsule as a fulcrum acts on the tilt bracket. This rotational moment may cause the tilt bracket to be twisted with respect to the release capsule when the steering column is released. On the other hand, for example, the techniques described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 can suppress the rotation of the tilt bracket and suppress the twist bracket.

No. 4-41018 JP 2009-184394 A

  Incidentally, the load applied to the steering wheel at the time of the secondary collision is not necessarily only the load in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. For this reason, in the prior art, when an impact load is applied to the steering wheel, the steering column may be moved in the tilt direction. When the steering column is detached while moving in the tilt direction, the steering column may be twisted, and the shock absorbing performance may vary.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a steering device that can suppress the movement of the steering column in the tilt direction at the time of a secondary collision and stabilize the shock absorbing performance. And

  In order to achieve the above object, a steering apparatus according to the present invention includes a steering column that rotatably supports an input shaft coupled to a steering wheel about a rotation center axis, a distance bracket attached to the steering column, A tightening rod that is detachably attached to the vehicle body and includes a tilt bracket that includes a side plate portion that sandwiches the distance bracket, and a tilt adjustment hole that is a through-hole that is long in the vertical direction and is provided in the distance bracket and the side plate portion. And a detent member attached to the steering column at a position on the rear side of the vehicle with respect to the tilt bracket, the tilt bracket being provided at an end portion on the rear side of the vehicle and having an upper side lower than the lower side. It has an inclined surface that is inclined so as to be located at the rear, Serial detent member may be in contact with the inclined surface when the secondary collision.

  Accordingly, when the rotation preventing member comes into contact with the inclined surface, a downward force acts on the rotation preventing member as a reaction from the inclined surface, thereby suppressing the steering column from being flipped up. For this reason, the movement of the steering column in the tilt direction is easily suppressed. Therefore, the steering device according to the present invention can suppress the movement of the steering column in the tilt direction at the time of the secondary collision, and can stabilize the shock absorbing performance.

  As a desirable mode of the present invention, the distance bracket is a through-hole through which the tightening rod passes, and has a long hole in the direction of the rotation center axis, and the distance bracket extends in the direction of the rotation center axis from the rotation preventing member to the inclined surface. The shortest distance is preferably smaller than the shortest distance in the direction of the rotation center axis from the tightening rod to the end of the long hole on the vehicle rear side.

  As a result, when the outer column and the distance bracket are integrally moved forward in a secondary collision, the anti-rotation member is inclined on the inclined surface before the fastening rod contacts the rear end of the long hole of the distance bracket. Touch. Thereby, the steering device can prevent the impact load from being transmitted to the tilt bracket via the tightening rod. Therefore, the steering device can suppress the rotational moment acting on the tilt bracket and stabilize the separation load of the steering column.

  As a desirable aspect of the present invention, a contact portion between the tilt bracket and the rotation preventing member at the time of a secondary collision is closer to the rotation center axis in the vertical direction than the clamping rod as viewed from the axial direction of the clamping rod. Preferably it is located.

  As a result, when the anti-rotation member comes into contact with the inclined surface, the rotational moment acting on the steering column tends to be reduced as a reaction. For this reason, since the twisting of the steering column is suppressed, the forward movement of the steering column becomes smooth. Therefore, the steering device can further stabilize the shock absorbing performance.

  As a desirable aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that an edge on the vehicle front side of the detent member is in contact with the inclined surface during a secondary collision.

  Thereby, compared with the case where a rotation prevention member and an inclined surface contact each other, the contact area of a rotation prevention member and an inclined surface becomes small. For this reason, the frictional force generated between the rotation preventing member and the inclined surface is increased, and the movement of the steering column in the tilt direction is further suppressed. Further, the edge can bite into the inclined surface according to the magnitude of the impact load. Thereby, the frictional force generated between the rotation stopper member and the inclined surface is further increased, and the movement of the steering column in the tilt direction is further suppressed.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, a pivot bracket is provided that supports the steering column so as to be swingable about a swinging central axis parallel to the tightening rod, and the tilt adjusting hole of the tilt adjusting hole is viewed from the axial direction of the tightening rod. The shape of the long side is along the circumference centered on the oscillation center axis, and when viewed from the axial direction of the clamping rod, the angle formed by the straight line parallel to the inclined surface and the rotation center axis is It is preferable that the angle is smaller than an angle formed between a tangent to the long side of the tilt adjustment hole and the rotation center axis.

  As a result, even if an upward force is applied to the steering column when the anti-rotation member is in contact with the inclined surface, the anti-rotation member is caught on the inclined surface, so that sliding of the tightening rod with respect to the tilt adjustment hole is restricted. . For this reason, in the steering device, even if an upward impact load is applied to the steering wheel, the steering column is prevented from jumping up.

  As a desirable mode of the present invention, the shortest distance in the rotation center axis direction from the rotation preventing member to the inclined surface when the tightening rod is positioned at the uppermost portion of the tilt adjustment hole is such that the tightening rod It is preferable that the distance is smaller than the shortest distance in the direction of the rotation center axis from the rotation preventing member to the inclined surface when positioned at the lowermost portion of the tilt adjustment hole.

  Thereby, when the tightening rod is located near the uppermost part of the tilt adjustment hole, the distance from the rotation preventing member to the inclined surface is reduced. For this reason, when the tightening rod is positioned near the top of the tilt adjustment hole, the time from when the secondary collision occurs until the detent member comes into contact with the inclined surface is shortened. Therefore, the steering device can shorten the time from when the secondary collision occurs until the movement of the steering column in the tilt direction is suppressed.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, when the tightening rod is positioned at the uppermost portion of the tilt adjustment hole, the shortest distance in the rotation center axis direction from the rotation preventing member to the inclined surface is substantially zero. Preferably there is.

  As a result, when the tightening rod is located near the top of the tilt adjustment hole, the time from when the secondary collision occurs until the detent member comes into contact with the inclined surface is further shortened. Therefore, the steering device can further shorten the time from the occurrence of the secondary collision until the movement of the steering column in the tilt direction is suppressed.

  As a desirable mode of the present invention, when the tightening rod is positioned at the uppermost part of the tilt adjustment hole, it is preferable that the rotation preventing member is in contact with the inclined surface.

  As a result, when the tightening rod is located near the top of the tilt adjustment hole, the time from when the secondary collision occurs until the detent member comes into contact with the inclined surface is further shortened. Therefore, the steering device can further shorten the time from the occurrence of the secondary collision until the movement of the steering column in the tilt direction is suppressed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the steering apparatus which can suppress the motion of the tilt direction of a steering column at the time of a secondary collision, and can stabilize an impact-absorbing performance can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a steering device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the periphery of the steering column according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing a portion where the steering column according to the present embodiment is attached to the vehicle. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cross section taken along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the steering apparatus according to the present embodiment with a part of the tilt bracket omitted. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rotation preventing member according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view showing the periphery of the tilt bracket according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a side view showing the steering apparatus according to the present embodiment at the time of the secondary collision, with a part of the tilt bracket omitted. FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state where the tightening rod is positioned in the middle of the tilt adjustment hole in the steering column according to the modification. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state where the tightening rod is positioned at the lowermost part of the tilt adjustment hole in the steering column according to the modification. FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state in which the tightening rod is positioned at the uppermost portion of the tilt adjustment hole in the steering column according to the modification.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiments (embodiments) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited by the contents described in the following embodiments. The constituent elements described below include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the constituent elements described below can be appropriately combined.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a steering device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the periphery of the steering column according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing a portion where the steering column according to the present embodiment is attached to the vehicle. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a cross section taken along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the steering apparatus according to the present embodiment with a part of the tilt bracket omitted. In the following description, in the direction along the rotation center axis 100 shown in FIG. 2, the front of the vehicle when the steering device 80 is attached to the vehicle is simply referred to as the front. Of the directions along the rotation center axis 100, the rear of the vehicle when the steering device 80 is attached to the vehicle is simply referred to as the rear. In FIG. 2, the front is the left side in the figure, and the rear is the right side in the figure. Further, in the direction orthogonal to the rotation center axis 100, the upper side of the vehicle when the steering device 80 is attached to the vehicle is simply referred to as the upper side. Of the directions orthogonal to the rotation center axis 100, the lower side of the vehicle when the steering device 80 is attached to the vehicle is simply referred to as the lower side. In FIG. 2, the upper side in the figure is the upper side, and the lower side in the figure is the lower side.

  The steering device 80 includes a steering wheel 81, a steering shaft 82, a steering force assist mechanism 83, a universal joint 84, a lower shaft 85, and a universal joint 86 in the order in which the force given by the operator is transmitted. , The pinion shaft 87, the steering gear 88, and the tie rod 89. The steering device 80 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 90 and a torque sensor 91a. The vehicle speed sensor 91b is provided in the vehicle and inputs a vehicle speed signal V to the ECU 90 by CAN (Controller Area Network) communication.

  The steering shaft 82 includes an input shaft 82a and an output shaft 82b. The input shaft 82a has one end connected to the steering wheel 81 and the other end connected to the steering force assist mechanism 83 via the torque sensor 91a. The output shaft 82 b has one end connected to the steering force assist mechanism 83 and the other end connected to the universal joint 84. In the present embodiment, the input shaft 82a and the output shaft 82b are formed of a general steel material such as SC material (Carbon Steel for Machine Structural Use).

  The lower shaft 85 has one end connected to the universal joint 84 and the other end connected to the universal joint 86. The pinion shaft 87 has one end connected to the universal joint 86 and the other end connected to the steering gear 88.

  Steering gear 88 includes a pinion 88a and a rack 88b. The pinion 88a is connected to the pinion shaft 87. The rack 88b meshes with the pinion 88a. The steering gear 88 is configured as a rack and pinion type. The steering gear 88 converts the rotational motion transmitted to the pinion 88a into a linear motion by the rack 88b. The tie rod 89 is connected to the rack 88b.

  The steering force assist mechanism 83 includes a speed reducer 92 and an electric motor (motor) 70. The electric motor 70 is described as an example of a so-called brushless motor, but may be an electric motor including a brush (slider) and a commutator (commutator). The reduction gear 92 is connected to the output shaft 82b. The electric motor 70 is an electric motor that is connected to the speed reducer 92 and generates auxiliary steering torque. The electric motor 70 gives auxiliary steering torque to the output shaft 82b of the steering column. That is, the steering device 80 of the present embodiment is a column assist system.

  The torque sensor 91a shown in FIG. 1 detects the driver's steering force transmitted to the input shaft 82a via the steering wheel 81 as a steering torque. The vehicle speed sensor 91b detects the traveling speed (vehicle speed) of the vehicle on which the steering device 80 is mounted. The ECU 90 is electrically connected to the electric motor 70, the torque sensor 91a, and the vehicle speed sensor 91b.

  The ECU 90 controls the operation of the electric motor 70. Moreover, ECU90 acquires a signal from each of the torque sensor 91a and the vehicle speed sensor 91b. That is, the ECU 90 acquires the steering torque T from the torque sensor 91a, and acquires the vehicle speed signal V of the vehicle from the vehicle speed sensor 91b. The ECU 90 is supplied with electric power from a power supply device (for example, a vehicle-mounted battery) 99 with the ignition switch 98 turned on. The ECU 90 calculates an assist steering command value of the assist command based on the steering torque T and the vehicle speed signal V. Then, the ECU 90 adjusts the power value X supplied to the electric motor 70 based on the calculated auxiliary steering command value. The ECU 90 acquires information on the induced voltage or information on the rotation of a rotor such as a resolver described later as operation information Y from the electric motor 70.

  The steering force of the operator (driver) input to the steering wheel 81 is transmitted to the speed reduction device 92 of the steering force assist mechanism 83 via the input shaft 82a. At this time, the ECU 90 acquires the steering torque T input to the input shaft 82a from the torque sensor 91a, and acquires the vehicle speed signal V from the vehicle speed sensor 91b. The ECU 90 controls the operation of the electric motor 70. The auxiliary steering torque created by the electric motor 70 is transmitted to the speed reducer 92.

  The steering torque (including auxiliary steering torque) output via the output shaft 82 b is transmitted to the lower shaft 85 via the universal joint 84 and further transmitted to the pinion shaft 87 via the universal joint 86. The steering force transmitted to the pinion shaft 87 is transmitted to the tie rod 89 via the steering gear 88 to steer the steered wheels.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the steering device 80 includes a steering column 5 that supports an input shaft 82 a so as to be rotatable around a rotation center axis 100. The steering device 80 is attached to the vehicle so that the rotation center shaft 100 and a horizontal plane form a predetermined angle. More specifically, the steering device 80 is inclined so that the rear side of the steering column 5 is positioned above the front side. The steering column 5 includes a cylindrical outer column 51 and a cylindrical inner column 54 that is partially inserted into the outer column 51. The outer column 51 and the inner column 54 are made of, for example, a general steel material such as STKM (Carbon Steel Tubes for Machine Structural Purposes). For example, the outer column 51 is disposed on the rear side of the inner column 54. The inner column 54 is coupled to the outer column 51 by a frictional force generated by, for example, caulking. The frictional force generated between the inner column 54 and the outer column 51 is set such that the inner column 54 and the outer column 51 do not move relative to each other in a normal use state. On the other hand, the frictional force generated between the inner column 54 and the outer column 51 is set to a magnitude that allows the inner column 54 and the outer column 51 to move relative to each other (can make a stroke) during a secondary collision.

  A distance bracket 6 is attached to the surface of the outer column 51. As shown in FIG. 4, the distance bracket 6 includes a pair of side plate portions 61 and a bottom plate portion 63 that connects the pair of side plate portions 61, and is cut along a plane perpendicular to the rotation center axis 100. The cross-sectional shape is substantially U-shaped. For example, the distance bracket 6 is disposed below the outer column 51 and is fixed to the surface of the outer column 51 by welding or the like at the end of the side plate portion 61. As shown in FIG. 5, the side plate portion 61 includes a long hole 62 that is a long through hole in the direction of the rotation center axis 100.

  The steering device 80 includes a pivot bracket 56, a tilt bracket 4, and a tightening rod 3 to support the steering column 5 so as to be swingable in a tilt direction (vertical direction) with respect to the vehicle body. The tilt bracket 4, the tightening rod 3, and the pivot bracket 56 are made of, for example, a general steel material such as SPCC (Steel Plate Cold Commercial).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the pivot bracket 56 is fixed to the vehicle body side member, and supports the steering column 5 so as to be swingable around the swing center axis 200. The swing center axis 200 is, for example, parallel to the horizontal direction. Thus, the steering column 5 is supported so as to be swingable in the tilt direction.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the tilt bracket 4 includes a mounting plate portion 41 fixed to the vehicle body side member, a side plate portion 43 formed integrally with the mounting plate portion 41, and an inclined plate provided at an end portion on the rear side. Part 45. The side plate portion 43 is disposed so as to sandwich the side plate portion 61 of the distance bracket 6 from both sides. The side plate portion 43 includes a tilt adjustment hole 44 that is a through hole long in the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the tightening rod 3 passes through the tilt adjustment hole 44 and the long hole 62 of the distance bracket 6. The inclined plate portion 45 is, for example, a member that protrudes from the rear side end portion of the side plate portion 43 in a plane direction orthogonal to the rotation center axis 100. The inclined plate portion 45 may be formed integrally with the side plate portion 43 or may be fixed to the side plate portion 43 as a separate member from the side plate portion 43. The inclined plate portion 45 has an inclined surface 46 that is a surface that is not perpendicular to the rotation center axis 100 as shown in FIG. The inclined surface 46 faces the rear side in the direction of the rotation center axis 100. For example, the inclined surface 46 in the present embodiment is inclined so that the upper end portion 46a is located behind the lower end portion 46b.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a head 35 is provided at one end of the tightening rod 3, and a screw portion 36 is provided at the other end. The tightening rod 3 passes through a fixed cam 33 and a rotating cam 34 disposed between the head portion 35 and the side plate portion 43. The fixed cam 33 is attached at a position overlapping the tilt adjustment hole 44 on the surface of the side plate portion 43. The fixed cam 33 is not interlocked with the rotation of the operation lever 53. The rotating cam 34 is attached to the operation lever 53 and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the operation lever 53. The fixed cam 33 and the rotating cam 34 are uneven in the circumferential direction, and when this is relatively rotated, the distance between the rotating cam 34 and the fixed cam 33 changes according to the rotational position of the rotating cam 34. It is supposed to be.

  The tightening rod 3 penetrates the spacer 37, the thrust bearing 32, and the nut 31 at the end on the threaded portion 36 side. The nut 31 is fastened to the screw portion 36, and the spacer 37 is brought into contact with the side plate portion 43 through the thrust bearing 32. As a result, the tightening rod 3 can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the operation lever 53 in a state where movement in the axial direction is restricted.

  When the operation lever 53 is rotated so that the distance between the rotating cam 34 and the fixed cam 33 is increased, the pressure with which the side plate portion 43 sandwiches the distance bracket 6 increases. Thereby, the movement of the tightening rod 3 in the tilt adjustment hole 44 is suppressed, and the tilt position is fixed. On the other hand, when the operation lever 53 is rotated so that the distance between the rotating cam 34 and the fixed cam 33 is increased, the pressure with which the side plate portion 43 sandwiches the distance bracket 6 increases. Thereby, the movement of the tightening rod 3 within the tilt adjusting hole 44 is facilitated, and the tilt position can be adjusted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the steering device 80 includes a tilt spring 38. The tilt spring 38 is a torsion coil spring, for example. One end portion 38 a of the tilt spring 38 is fixed to a tilt spring fixing portion 39 provided on the tilt bracket 4. The other end 38 b of the tilt spring 38 is in contact with the lower side of the spacer 37, for example. The tilt spring 38 applies an upward force to the distance bracket 6 and the outer column 51 via the tightening rod 3. As a result, even if the tilt position is released by the operation of rotating the operation lever 53, the steering column 5 is unlikely to fall downward. The tilt spring 38 can easily adjust the tilt position.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the attachment plate portion 41 of the tilt bracket 4 is attached to the vehicle body side member via the release capsule 11 with a pair of left and right support portions 42. The support portion 42 and the release capsule 11 are connected by a resin member 12p formed by resin injection. The release capsule 11 is formed by die-casting aluminum. The release capsule 11 has a capsule attachment hole 11h, and is fixed to the vehicle body side member by a bolt or the like inserted into the capsule attachment hole 11h. When a force for moving the steering column 5 forward acts at the time of the secondary collision, the support portion 42 slides forward of the vehicle body with respect to the release capsule 11, and the resin member 12p is sheared. Thereby, the support by the release capsule 11 is released, and the steering column 5 and the tilt bracket 4 can be released from the vehicle body. Note that the release capsule 11 does not necessarily have the above-described configuration, and may be a known release capsule other than the above-described configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the steering device 80 includes an energy absorbing plate 57 in order to absorb the energy of the impact load at the time of the secondary collision. The energy absorbing plate 57 is a plate-like member having a curved portion 57c whose surface is formed in an arc shape. One end portion 57 a of the energy absorbing plate 57 is fixed to the release capsule 11, and the other end portion 57 b is fixed to a plate fixing portion 58 provided on the tilt bracket 4. When the tilt bracket 4 is detached from the vehicle body during the secondary collision, the other end portion 57b moves forward together with the tilt bracket 4 while the one end portion 57a is fixed to the release capsule 11. For this reason, the energy absorption plate 57 can absorb the energy of the impact load by the plastic deformation of the curved portion 57c.

  FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rotation preventing member according to the present embodiment. The steering device 80 includes a detent member 2 in order to suppress a rotational moment that may act on the tilt bracket during a secondary collision. As shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the detent member 2 according to the present embodiment is attached to the surface of the outer column 51 at a position on the rear side of the tilt bracket 4. The anti-rotation member 2 is formed of a general steel material such as SPCC (Steel Plate Cold Commercial), for example. As shown in FIG. 6, the anti-rotation member 2 includes a mounting portion 21 that is a plate-like member along the surface of the outer column 51, and a plate that protrudes from both ends of the mounting portion 21 in the radial direction of the outer column 51. And a projecting portion 22 that is a shaped member. Here, the radial direction means a direction orthogonal to the axial direction.

  The anti-rotation member 2 is attached to the outer column 51 by performing welding in a state where the attachment portion 21 is in contact with the surface of the outer column 51, for example. The attachment portion 21 is disposed on the lower side of the outer column 51, and the protruding portions 22 located at both ends of the attachment portion 21 are located above the tightening rod 3. The anti-rotation member 2 is formed, for example, by punching a plate material by pressing and then bending. The edge 23, which is the end of the protruding portion 22 in the direction of the rotation center axis 100, is not chamfered and is in a pointed state. That is, the edge 23 has a so-called pin angle.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the shortest distance δ1 in the direction of the rotation center axis 100 from the edge 23 of the front end portion of the anti-rotation member 2 to the inclined surface 46 is the end on the rear side of the long hole 62 from the surface of the tightening rod 3. It is smaller than the shortest distance δ2 in the direction of the rotation center axis 100 to the portion. FIG. 8 is a side view showing the steering apparatus according to the present embodiment at the time of the secondary collision, with a part of the tilt bracket omitted. Since the shortest distance δ1 is smaller than the shortest distance δ2, as shown in FIG. 8, when the outer column 51 and the distance bracket 6 move forward together in a secondary collision, the tightening rod 3 is The anti-rotation member 2 contacts the inclined surface 46 before coming into contact with the rear end. For this reason, at the time of the secondary collision, a rotational moment with the separation capsule 11 as a fulcrum and a contact portion between the edge 23 and the inclined surface 46 as a force point acts on the tilt bracket 4. Further, the edge 23 is positioned above the tightening rod 3. For this reason, the steering device 80 can suppress the rotational moment acting on the tilt bracket 4 as compared with the case where the impact load is transmitted to the tilt bracket 4 via the tightening rod 3.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when viewed from the axial direction of the clamping rod 3, the shortest distance δ3 in the vertical direction from the edge 23 of the anti-rotation member 2 to the rotation central axis 100 is the center axis of the rotation from the center of the clamping rod 3. It is smaller than the shortest distance δ4 in the vertical direction up to 100. That is, when viewed from the axial direction of the tightening rod 3, the contact portion between the inclined surface 46 and the rotation preventing member 2 at the time of the secondary collision is positioned closer to the rotation center axis 100 in the vertical direction than the tightening rod 3. Thereby, when the edge 23 contacts the inclined surface 46, the rotational moment acting on the outer column 51 as a reaction tends to be small. For this reason, the outer column 51 is prevented from being twisted with respect to the inner column 54, so that the forward movement of the outer column 51 becomes smooth.

  By the way, even if, for example, the technique of Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2 described above is used, the rotational moment acting on the tilt bracket 4 can be suppressed. However, in Patent Document 1, for example, the contact surface between the tilt clamp and the stopper bracket is a surface perpendicular to the rotation center axis of the steering shaft. In Patent Document 2, the contact surface between the convex portion of the vehicle body mounting bracket and the distance bracket is a surface perpendicular to the rotation center axis of the steering shaft. For this reason, when the prior art is used, the movement of the steering column in the tilt direction during the secondary collision is difficult to be regulated. When the steering column is detached while moving in the tilt direction, the steering column may be twisted, and the shock absorbing performance may vary.

  On the other hand, the steering device 80 according to the present embodiment includes the anti-rotation member 2 that contacts the inclined surface 46 of the tilt bracket 4 at the time of the secondary collision. Accordingly, when the rotation preventing member 2 is in contact with the inclined surface 46, a downward force acts on the rotation preventing member 2 as a reaction from the inclined surface 46. For this reason, the jumping of the steering column 5 is easily suppressed. Therefore, the steering device 80 according to the present embodiment can suppress the movement in the tilt direction of the steering column 5 at the time of the secondary collision, and can stabilize the shock absorbing performance.

  Further, at the time of the secondary collision, the edge 23 of the detent member 2 comes into contact with the inclined surface 46. Thereby, compared with the case where the rotation prevention member 2 and the inclined surface 46 contact each other, the contact area of the rotation prevention member 2 and the inclined surface 46 becomes small. For this reason, the frictional force generated between the rotation preventing member 2 and the inclined surface 46 is increased, and the movement of the steering column 5 in the tilt direction is further suppressed. Further, as described above, since the edge 23 is sharp, it can bite into the inclined surface 46 according to the magnitude of the impact load. Thereby, the frictional force generated between the rotation preventing member 2 and the inclined surface 46 is further increased, and the movement of the steering column 5 in the tilt direction is further suppressed.

  FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view showing the periphery of the tilt bracket according to the present embodiment. As described above, the tilt adjustment hole 44 is a through hole that is provided in the side plate portion 43 of the tilt bracket 4 and is long in the vertical direction. More specifically, the tilt adjusting hole 44 is a long hole having a shape along the circumference centering on the swinging central axis 200 of the pivot bracket 56 when viewed from the axial direction of the tightening rod 3. As shown in FIG. 7, the tilt adjustment hole 44 includes a long side 441 and a long side 442. The long side 441 is positioned in front of the clamping rod 3, and the long side 442 is positioned in the rear of the clamping rod 3. Both the long side 441 and the long side 442 are along the circumference centering on the oscillation central axis 200. That is, the long side 441 and the long side 442 are along the circumference of a concentric circle. Further, the width of the tilt adjusting hole 44 in the short side direction, that is, the width in the radial direction around the oscillation central axis 200 is substantially equal to the diameter of the tightening rod 3. When the tilt position adjustment of the steering column 5 is performed, the tightening rod 3 penetrating the tilt adjustment hole 44 slides and moves with respect to the long sides 441 and 442 of the tilt adjustment hole 44. Further, as described above, the inner column 54 and the outer column 51 are fixed so as not to move relatively in a normal use state. For this reason, even if the distance bracket 6 has the long hole 62, the outer column 51 does not move in the telescopic direction (direction of the rotation center axis 100).

  In the present embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction of the clamping rod 3, the angle α formed by the straight line parallel to the inclined surface 46 and the rotation center axis 100 is determined by the tangent to the long side 442 of the tilt adjustment hole 44 and the rotation center axis 100. Is smaller than the angle β. In the present embodiment, the angle β is equal to the angle formed between the tangent to the long side 441 of the tilt adjustment hole 44 and the rotation center axis 100. For this reason, the angle β also means an angle formed between the tangent to the long side 441 of the tilt adjustment hole 44 and the rotation center axis 100. Since the angle α is smaller than the angle β, the anti-rotation member 2 is caught by the inclined surface 46 even if an upward force is applied to the steering column 5 when the anti-rotation member 2 is in contact with the inclined surface 46, so that the tightening is performed. The sliding of the rod 3 with respect to the tilt adjustment hole 44 is restricted. For this reason, even if an upward impact load is applied to the steering wheel 81, the steering column 5 is prevented from being flipped up.

  Further, as described above, the steering device 80 is inclined so that the rear side of the steering column 5 is positioned above the front side. For this reason, at the time of the secondary collision, the possibility that the upward force acts and the steering column 5 jumps up is higher than the possibility that the downward force acts on the steering wheel 81. The inclined surface 46 according to the present embodiment is inclined so that the upper end portion 46a is positioned rearward of the lower end portion 46b in a state where the rear side of the steering column 5 is inclined so as to be positioned higher than the front side. ing. As a result, even when the rotation preventing member 2 is in contact with the inclined surface 46 even when the steering column 5 is inclined so that the rear side is positioned higher than the front side, the rotation preventing member 2 has the inclined surface 46. A downward force acts as a reaction from. For this reason, the steering device 80 can suppress the jumping of the steering column 5.

  In the present embodiment, the outer column 51 is disposed on the rear side of the inner column 54. However, such an arrangement is not necessarily required. For example, the outer column 51 may be disposed on the front side of the inner column 54. When the outer column 51 is disposed on the front side of the inner column 54, the distance bracket 6 attached to the inner column 54 is sandwiched between the tilt brackets 4. Further, the outer column 51 and the inner column 54 are not necessarily cylindrical, and it is sufficient that one of the outer column 51 and the inner column 54 can guide the other in the direction of the rotation center axis 100 after the secondary collision. For example, the outer column 51 and the inner column 54 may have a substantially U-shaped cross section cut by a plane orthogonal to the direction of the rotation center axis 100.

  As described above, the steering device 80 according to the present embodiment includes the steering column 5, the distance bracket 6, the tilt bracket 4, the tightening rod 3, and the anti-rotation member 2. The steering column 5 rotatably supports an input shaft 82 a connected to the steering wheel 81 and includes an outer column 51 and an inner column 54. The distance bracket 6 is attached to the outer column 51 of the steering column 5. The tilt bracket 4 is detachably attached to the vehicle body, is provided at a side plate portion 43 that sandwiches the distance bracket 6 and an end portion on the rear side, and an upper end portion 46a is positioned rearward of the lower end portion 46b. And an inclined surface 46 that is inclined. The tightening rod 3 passes through the distance bracket 6 and a tilt adjustment hole 44 that is provided in the side plate portion 43 and is a long through hole in the vertical direction. The anti-rotation member 2 is attached to the outer column 51 of the steering column 5 at a position rearward of the tilt bracket 4 and contacts the inclined surface 46 at the time of a secondary collision.

  As a result, when the rotation preventing member 2 comes into contact with the inclined surface 46, a downward force acts on the rotation preventing member 2 as a reaction from the inclined surface 46, thereby suppressing the steering column 5 from jumping up. For this reason, the vertical movement of the steering column 5 is easily suppressed. Therefore, the steering device 80 according to the present embodiment can suppress the movement in the tilt direction of the steering column 5 at the time of the secondary collision, and can stabilize the shock absorbing performance.

  Further, in the steering device 80 according to the present embodiment, the distance bracket 6 includes a long hole 62 that is a through hole through which the tightening rod 3 passes and that is long in the direction of the rotation center axis 100. Further, the shortest distance δ1 in the direction of the rotation center axis 100 from the anti-rotation member 2 to the inclined surface 46 is smaller than the shortest distance δ2 in the direction of the rotation center axis 100 from the tightening rod 3 to the rear end of the long hole 62. .

  As a result, when the outer column 51 and the distance bracket 6 are moved forward together in a secondary collision, the anti-rotation member 2 is inclined before the tightening rod 3 contacts the rear end of the long hole 62. It contacts the surface 46. Thus, the steering device 80 can prevent the impact load from being transmitted to the tilt bracket 4 via the tightening rod 3. Therefore, the steering device 80 can suppress the rotational moment acting on the tilt bracket 4 and stabilize the separation load of the steering column 5.

  Further, in the steering device 80 according to the present embodiment, the contact portion between the tilt bracket 4 and the rotation preventing member 2 at the time of the secondary collision rotates in the vertical direction as compared with the tightening rod 3 when viewed from the axial direction of the tightening rod 3. Located near the central axis 100.

  As a result, when the anti-rotation member 2 contacts the inclined surface 46, the rotational moment acting on the outer column 51 tends to be reduced as a reaction. For this reason, the outer column 51 is prevented from being twisted with respect to the inner column 54, so that the forward movement of the outer column 51 becomes smooth. Therefore, the steering device 80 according to the present embodiment can further stabilize the shock absorbing performance.

  Further, in the steering device 80 according to this embodiment, the edge 23 on the front side of the detent member 2 contacts the inclined surface 46 at the time of the secondary collision.

  Thereby, compared with the case where the rotation prevention member 2 and the inclined surface 46 contact each other, the contact area of the rotation prevention member 2 and the inclined surface 46 becomes small. For this reason, the frictional force generated between the rotation preventing member 2 and the inclined surface 46 is increased, and the movement of the steering column 5 in the tilt direction is further suppressed. Further, the edge 23 can bite into the inclined surface 46 according to the magnitude of the impact load. Thereby, the frictional force generated between the rotation preventing member 2 and the inclined surface 46 is further increased, and the movement of the steering column 5 in the tilt direction is further suppressed.

  Further, the steering device 80 according to the present embodiment includes a pivot bracket 56 that supports the steering column 5 so as to be swingable around a swing center axis 200 parallel to the tightening rod 3. When viewed from the axial direction of the tightening rod 3, the shape of the long side of the tilt adjustment hole 44 is along the circumference centered on the swing center axis 200, and a straight line parallel to the inclined surface 46 and the rotation center axis 100 Is smaller than the angle β formed between the tangent to the long sides 441 and 442 of the tilt adjusting hole 44 and the rotation center axis 100.

  Thereby, even if an upward force is applied to the steering column 5 when the rotation preventing member 2 is in contact with the inclined surface 46, the rotation preventing member 2 is caught by the inclined surface 46. Sliding against is regulated. For this reason, even if an upward impact load is applied to the steering wheel 81, the steering column 5 is prevented from being flipped up.

(Modification)
FIG. 9 is a side view showing a state where the tightening rod is positioned in the middle of the tilt adjustment hole in the steering column according to the modification. FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state where the tightening rod is positioned at the lowermost part of the tilt adjustment hole in the steering column according to the modification. FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state in which the tightening rod is positioned at the uppermost portion of the tilt adjustment hole in the steering column according to the modification. Note that the same components as those described in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the steering column 5 is supported by a pivot bracket 56 so as to be swingable in the tilt direction. Accordingly, the tightening rod 3 can move in the tilt adjustment hole 44 in a state where the tilt position is released by the operation lever 53 (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 10, when the tightening rod 3 is positioned at the lowermost part of the tilt adjustment hole 44, the tilt position of the steering column 5 is the lowest position. As shown in FIG. 11, when the tightening rod 3 is positioned at the uppermost portion of the tilt adjustment hole 44, the tilt position of the steering column 5 is the uppermost position.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the tightening rod 3 is positioned at the lowermost part of the tilt adjustment hole 44, the shortest distance in the direction of the rotation center axis 100 from the edge 23 at the front end of the rotation preventing member 2 to the inclined surface 46. δ5 is smaller than and substantially equal to the shortest distance δ2 in the direction of the rotation center axis 100 from the surface of the clamping rod 3 to the rear end of the long hole 62. The shortest distance δ5 and the shortest distance δ2 as design values are, for example, 3 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

  An error occurs in assembling the steering column 5. For this reason, the relative position of the rotation preventing member 2 with respect to the tilt bracket 4 may be deviated from the position at the time of design. Therefore, the shortest distance δ5 varies within a tolerance range. The tolerance is a difference between the design value (reference value) and the maximum and minimum dimensions allowed. For example, the tolerance of the shortest distance δ5 is 1 mm. For this reason, even if an error equal to the tolerance occurs in the shortest distance δ5, the actual shortest distance δ5 is kept at 2 mm or more. For this reason, when the tightening rod 3 is positioned at the lowermost part of the tilt adjustment hole 44, the rotation preventing member 2 does not contact the inclined surface 46. Therefore, in the steering device 80, the adjustment of the tilt position is not easily disturbed. The actual distance means a distance after the steering column 5 is assembled, and the distance as a design value means a distance at the time of design, that is, a distance not taking into account a tolerance, and the same applies to the following. Used in meaning.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the tightening rod 3 is positioned at the uppermost part of the tilt adjustment hole 44, the actual rotation direction in the direction of the rotation center axis 100 from the edge 23 to the inclined surface 46 of the front end portion of the detent member 2. The shortest distance δ6 is smaller than the shortest distance δ5. Specifically, it is preferable that the actual shortest distance δ6 is substantially 0 mm. “Substantially 0 mm” means that it is close to 0 mm. That is, when the tightening rod 3 is positioned at the uppermost portion of the tilt adjustment hole 44, when viewed from the direction parallel to the inclined surface 46, the edge between the edge 23 at the front end of the anti-rotation member 2 and the inclined surface 46. The gap is preferably a minute gap that is substantially 0 mm. More specifically, when the tolerance of the shortest distance δ6 is 1 mm, the shortest distance δ6 as a design value is, for example, greater than 1 mm and 2 mm or less. For this reason, even if an error equal to the tolerance (an error of 1 mm) occurs in the shortest distance δ6, the actual shortest distance δ6 becomes larger than 0 mm. For this reason, when the tightening rod 3 is positioned at the uppermost part of the tilt adjustment hole 44, the rotation preventing member 2 does not contact the inclined surface 46. Therefore, in the steering device 80, the adjustment of the tilt position is not easily disturbed. Further, the actual shortest distance δ6 is 1 mm or less. Accordingly, the distance from the anti-rotation member 2 to the inclined surface 46 when the tightening rod 3 is positioned in the vicinity of the uppermost portion of the tilt adjustment hole 44 is reduced, so that the anti-rotation is prevented from the time when the secondary collision occurs. The time until the member 2 contacts the inclined surface 46 is shortened.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the tightening rod 3 is positioned at the uppermost part of the tilt adjustment hole 44, the upward movement of the tightening rod 3 is restricted by the inner wall of the tilt adjustment hole 44. For this reason, the flip-up of the steering column 5 when a secondary collision occurs when the tightening rod 3 is positioned at the top of the tilt adjustment hole 44 is suppressed by the tightening rod 3 and the tilt adjustment hole 44. That is, the jumping of the steering column 5 when a secondary collision occurs when the tightening rod 3 is positioned at the uppermost portion of the tilt adjustment hole 44 is suppressed even if the detent member 2 does not contact the inclined surface 46. Is done.

  The tolerance of the shortest distance δ5 and the shortest distance δ6 is not necessarily 1 mm, and may be another value. The shortest distance δ5 as a design value is not necessarily 3 mm or more and 5 mm or less, and is 3 mm or less depending on the size of the tolerance or the curvature of the long side 441 and the long side 442 (see FIG. 9) of the tilt adjustment hole 44. Or 5 mm or more may be sufficient. Further, the shortest distance δ6 as a design value is not necessarily larger than 1 mm and not larger than 2 mm, and may be 1 mm or smaller or 2 mm or larger depending on the tolerance.

  The actual shortest distance δ6 may be 0 mm. That is, when the tightening rod 3 is positioned at the uppermost portion of the tilt adjustment hole 44, when viewed from the direction parallel to the inclined surface 46, the edge between the edge 23 at the front end of the anti-rotation member 2 and the inclined surface 46. There may be no gap. In other words, when the tightening rod 3 is positioned at the uppermost part of the tilt adjustment hole 44, the detent member 2 may be in contact with the inclined surface 46.

  As described above, in the steering device 80 according to the modified example, when the tightening rod 3 is positioned at the uppermost portion of the tilt adjustment hole 44, the rotation center member 100 extends in the direction of the rotation center axis 100 from the inclined surface 46. The shortest distance δ6 is smaller than the shortest distance δ5 in the direction of the rotation center axis 100 from the anti-rotation member 2 to the inclined surface 46 when the tightening rod 3 is positioned at the lowermost portion of the tilt adjustment hole 44.

  Thereby, when the tightening rod 3 is positioned near the uppermost portion of the tilt adjustment hole 44, the distance from the rotation preventing member 2 to the inclined surface 46 is reduced. For this reason, when the tightening rod 3 is positioned near the uppermost portion of the tilt adjustment hole 44, the time from when the secondary collision occurs until the detent member 2 contacts the inclined surface 46 is shortened. Therefore, the steering device 80 can shorten the time from when the secondary collision occurs until the movement of the steering column 5 in the tilt direction is suppressed.

  When the tightening rod 3 is positioned at the uppermost part of the tilt adjusting hole 44, the shortest distance δ6 in the direction of the rotation center axis 100 from the rotation preventing member 2 to the inclined surface 46 is substantially zero.

  Thereby, when the tightening rod 3 is positioned near the uppermost portion of the tilt adjustment hole 44, the time from when the secondary collision occurs until the detent member 2 contacts the inclined surface 46 is further shortened. Therefore, the steering device 80 can further shorten the time from when the secondary collision occurs until the movement of the steering column 5 in the tilt direction is suppressed.

  Further, when the tightening rod 3 is positioned at the uppermost part of the tilt adjustment hole 44, the rotation preventing member 2 is in contact with the inclined surface 46.

  Thereby, when the tightening rod 3 is positioned near the uppermost portion of the tilt adjustment hole 44, the time from when the secondary collision occurs until the detent member 2 contacts the inclined surface 46 is further shortened. Therefore, the steering device 80 can further shorten the time from when the secondary collision occurs until the movement of the steering column 5 in the tilt direction is suppressed.

11 Separation capsule 11h Capsule mounting hole 12p Resin member 2 Non-rotating member 21 Mounting portion 22 Protruding portion 23 Edge 3 Tightening rod 31 Nut 32 Thrust bearing 33 Fixed cam 34 Rotating cam 35 Head 36 Screw portion 37 Spacer 38 Tilt spring 4 Tilt bracket 41 Mounting plate portion 43 Side plate portion 44 Tilt adjusting holes 441 and 442 Long side 45 Inclined plate portion 46 Inclined surface 46a Upper end portion 46b Lower end portion 5 Steering column 51 Outer column 53 Operation lever 54 Inner column 57 Energy absorption plate 6 Distance bracket 61 Side plate portion 62 Long hole 63 Bottom plate portion 70 Electric motor 80 Steering device 81 Steering wheel 82 Steering shaft 82a Input shaft 82b Output shaft 83 Steering force assist mechanism 84 Universal joint 85 Ashaft 86 Universal joint 87 Pinion shaft 88 Steering gear 88a Pinion 88b Rack 89 Tie rod 90 ECU
91a Torque sensor 91b Vehicle speed sensor 92 Deceleration device 98 Ignition switch 99 Power supply device 100 Rotation center shaft 200 Swing center shaft

Claims (8)

A steering column that rotatably supports an input shaft connected to the steering wheel about a rotation center axis;
A distance bracket attached to the steering column;
A tilt bracket that is detachably attached to the vehicle body and includes a side plate portion that sandwiches the distance bracket;
A tightening rod that passes through the distance bracket and a tilt adjustment hole that is a through hole long in the vertical direction provided in the side plate part,
A detent member attached to the steering column at a position on the vehicle rear side with respect to the tilt bracket,
The tilt bracket includes an inclined surface that is provided at an end portion on the vehicle rear side and is inclined so that the upper side is located on the vehicle rear side with respect to the lower side,
The steering device according to claim 1, wherein the anti-rotation member contacts the inclined surface at the time of a secondary collision. The distance bracket is a through-hole through which the tightening rod passes, and has a long hole extending in the direction of the rotation center axis.
The shortest distance in the rotation center axis direction from the rotation preventing member to the inclined surface is smaller than the shortest distance in the rotation center axis direction from the tightening rod to the end of the elongated hole on the vehicle rear side. The steering apparatus according to claim 1.   The contact portion between the tilt bracket and the rotation-preventing member at the time of a secondary collision is positioned closer to the rotation center axis in the vertical direction than the clamping rod when viewed from the axial direction of the clamping rod. Item 3. The steering device according to Item 1 or 2.   4. The steering device according to claim 1, wherein an edge of a vehicle front side of the rotation preventing member is in contact with the inclined surface during a secondary collision. 5. A pivot bracket supporting the steering column so as to be swingable about a swing center axis parallel to the tightening rod;
When viewed from the axial direction of the tightening rod, the shape of the long side of the tilt adjustment hole is along a circumference centered on the oscillation center axis,
When viewed from the axial direction of the clamping rod, the angle formed between the straight line parallel to the inclined surface and the rotation center axis is smaller than the angle formed between the tangent to the long side of the tilt adjustment hole and the rotation center axis. The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein   When the tightening rod is positioned at the uppermost part of the tilt adjustment hole, the shortest distance in the direction of the rotation center axis from the rotation preventing member to the inclined surface is such that the tightening rod is at the lowermost part of the tilt adjustment hole. The steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the steering device is smaller than a shortest distance in a direction of the rotation center axis from the rotation preventing member to the inclined surface when positioned.   The shortest distance in the direction of the rotation center axis from the detent member to the inclined surface is substantially zero when the tightening rod is positioned at the top of the tilt adjustment hole. Item 7. The steering device according to Item 6.   The steering apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the tightening rod is positioned at the uppermost part of the tilt adjustment hole, the rotation preventing member is in contact with the inclined surface.

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